Mr. & Mrs. Hans Mehus
A valuable farm property of two hundred acres pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by the owner, Andrew H. Mehus, who has always resided upon this place, which is situated on section 15, Hartland township, Worth county. He was born upon the farm March 13, 1865, his parents being Hans and Gunver (Tromo) Mehus, who were natives of Norway, both born in the year 1847. The father was brought to the United States by his parents on a sailing vessel in 1857, at which time the family home was established in Rock Prairie, Wisconsin, where they remained for two years. On the expiration of that period they came to Iowa, settling in Hartland township, Worth county, where they purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres situated on section 15, Hartland township. This is the property on which Andrew H. Mehus still resides. The family lived for a time in a log house which had been built ere the farm came into possession of the grandparents of the present owner. The grandmother died upon this placeand the grandfather afterward became a resident of North Dakota, where he remained to the time of his demise. The old homestead was purchased by Hans Mehus, who thus came into possession of one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he added from time to time as his financial resources increased until within the boundaries of his farm there was to be found four hundred and forty acres of rich and valuable land. He also further invested in farm property, owning an extensive tract in Bigstone county, Minnesota. He likewise became the owner of city property in Northwood and thus from his realty holdings derives a most gratifying annual income. He is now living retired, having put aside the active work of the fields to enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. O. H. Thompson, on a farm on section 25, Hartland township, and has reached the age of seventy years. His wife passed away in March, 1914.
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew H. Mehus
Andrew H. Mehus spent his youthful days upon the home farm and acquired a district school education. When his textbooks were put aside he continued to aid in the work of the fields and thus was well qualified by practical training for the work which he has chosen as a life occupation. Eventually he began farming on his own account and now has two hundred acres of valuable and productive land, from which he annually gathers rich harvests. His farm is thoroughly modern in its equipment and there are fine frame buildings upon the place. In the rear of an attractive residence stand large barns, and outbuildings, furnishing adequate shelter for grain and stock, and the latest improved farm machinery facilitates the work of the fields.
On June 3, 1914, Mr. Mehus was united in marriage to Miss Helma Harmon, a daughter of Harry and Aase (Ellingson) Harmon, who are natives of Norway and came to the United States with their respective parents in childhood. Both the Harmon and Ellingson families were among the early settlers of this section of the state. The parents of Mrs. Mehus are now living in Northwood, Iowa, the father having retired from active business cares. Mrs. Mehus was born in Silver Lake township, Worth county, and by her marriage has become the mother of one child, Danine Geneva.
Politically Mr. Mehus is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office. He belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran church, guiding his life according to its teachings, and his genuine worth is recognized by his fellow townsmen, who have had opportunity to witness his record from boyhood, to the present time. The traits of character which he has developed are commendable and have gained for him the respect and goodwill of those with whom he has been associated.
Transcribed by Gordon Felland, Jan. 2002
